Obituary of Mike Lindsay

John Michael “Mike” Lindsay was born to parents Lewis and Betty on September 10, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away March 27, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mike is survived by his wife Sherrill Lindsay, son Michael Lindsay, daughter Abigail Engel, grandson Rowan Engel, and brothers Greg Lindsay and Patrick Lindsay.

Mike traveled frequently in childhood, moving over 16 times before he was eleven years old. He enjoyed the time spent in Lubbock, TX with his family in particular. Mike liked to say that from his travels as a child, he learned that every town typically possessed a bully. He would make it his business to find the bully himself, and “deal with them first,” before settling in to stay.

Mike married Sherrill James on July 31, 1970. The couple was blessed with nearly 53 years of marriage and two children, Michael and Abigail. He earned an associate degree in NC Machine Work at OSU Okmulgee. He served on the Advisory Board of Central Tech for the duration of their Automotive Repair program. He won countless races in many different circuits, including Driver of the Year in racing multiple years in a row, and the Commodore’s Cup in sailing. His competitive victories cannot easily be counted. Mike successfully owned and operated TLC Automotive and Wrecker Service for 38 years within the community of Creek County Oklahoma. Mike endeavored to incorporate tender, loving care in all aspects of his business dealings—regardless of any customer’s individual circumstances. He was a literal guiding light to hundreds of people stranded within the county in the dark of night. Mike’s greatest passion in life aside from his family was Automobile Racing in every shape and expression. A recurrent Champion, he was a regular feature in the Winner’s Circle. In addition to his passion for racing, Mike was an avid sailor. Many of his children’s earliest experiences with him took place on his Catalina. He loved reading and spent much of his spare time invested in whatever book had caught his fancy.

Everyone who met Mike came to know the extent of his love for his country. Mike spent four years of service in the United States Navy. He served on two West-Pac tours to Vietnam—operating in the boiler rooms of both the USS Belgrove and Iwo Jima respectively. This service would come to define him as a man, and as a proud American. Mike’s charity and philanthropy to his community are equally as famous as his courage and kindness; his generosity and compassion to others knew no bounds. He is and forever will be missed by any and all who knew him.